Patriots stock up, stock down following 41-point rout vs. Jets: backfield dominates, Mac Jones has career day

The Patriots got back into the win column in convincing fashion Sunday when Mac Jones and company dropped 54 points in a rout over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. This was New England’s best day on offense by far, as it totaled 551 yards and scored on its first six possessions. The team also found the end zone a total of seven times in the winning effort (three passing, four rushing). 

As I noted after this game, while beating up on the Jets is hardly a marquee win, it does present the opportunity for the Patriots to use this victory as a springboard as they move on to a more difficult period of their schedule and continue to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. Before we jump too far ahead, however, let’s take one last look at that matchup against New York and take the temperature on how various players are trending as New England gears up to head out west to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8. 

Stock up: Patriots backfield

No matter which way you want to slice it, it was a dominating day for Patriots running backs. Starting with Damien Harris, he recorded his second-straight 100-yard day on the ground while averaging an eye-popping 7.6 yards per carry. The former Alabama product also found the end zone twice. Harris’ strong performance comes on the heels of Bill Belichick heaping praise on him during the week, saying “he’s earned everybody’s respect.” After that performance, his stock continues to skyrocket. 

When Harris was relieved, J.J. Taylor picked up the baton and kept pace, scoring two touchdowns of his own (the first being the first of his career) to go along with 21 yards rushing. 

The biggest surprise, however, continues to be Brandon Bolden. With Rhamondre Stevenson a healthy scratch, Bolden was in the “James White” role and filled his shoes splendidly, catching six passes for 79 yards (both team highs) and a touchdown.

Stock up: Mac Jones

Jones enjoyed…